Star Tracks - Oct. 7, 2013

Last Thursday, Sept. 26, was the inaugural Hope Awards event presented by House of Hope (HOH) to honor some of its esteemed community partners. Sydney and I are proud that Luminaries was selected as the Outstanding Media Partner and we now have a beautiful and artistic plaque beautifying our shared cubby in LuminLand. Thanks to Elizabeth Barbella, Diane Tomasik and all our friends at HOH who made this happen.

Crossing county lines

Even though I live in St. Lucie County, as the person who covers Martin County for Luminaries I don’t usually get to attend events in my home county on behalf of our company. But last weekend, Al and I had the opportunity to attend the Education Foundation of St. Lucie County Gala and what a good time it was! I was particularly impressed with what I didn’t see: no pricey gifts for sponsors, no glitzy program about the event, no armfuls of flowers for committee members. In short, funds raised went to where they were intended - education-related grants, scholarships and financial support for our county’s deserving students. Kudos to Jim McKenzie, executive director of the Education Foundation, who oversaw the successful evening and everyone who worked so hard to make it come together.

Gift for Hibiscus

Hibiscus Children’s Center (HCC) recently announed that David L. Smythe has made a $100,000 donation to the organization. It will directly support Hibiscus’ Martin County Mental Health Services and Sexual Abuse Treatment Programs. Both of these programs rely on generous supporters to provide services to Hibiscus’ uninsured and underinsured children and families.

New car show debuts

Hurricane Grill and Wings in Palm City and Crown Car Care and Collision Center have started a new event: a monthly series of car shows to take place from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 24, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19 at the Palm City Hurricane Grill and Wings located at 2355 S.W. Martin Highway. Admission is free, and there will be a 50/50 raffle and silent auction with proceeds benefitting the Road to Victory Military Museum. For information, call (772) 287-4244 or visit www.crowncare.com..

Making Strides update

The Martin County Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, one of nearly 300 events taking place throught the country this season, starts at 9 a.m. on Oct. 19 at Memorial Park, in Stuart. To find out how to get involved,

The 2014 Molly’s Gallery season opens on Oct. 3, with a champagne reception featuring students from the Visionary School of Arts displaying their work. The Gallery is a fundraiser for Molly’s House that takes place monthly each year from Oct.-April, featuring pieces from local artists. a meet-and-greet and a champagne reception. It is held from 5:30-7 p.m. and a donation of $5 or a donation of a wish list item is requested at

To entice potential adopters to select a new dog this month, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) has launched a Barktoberfest adoption special. From now through Oct. 31, the HSTC’s shelter dog adoption fee has been reduced from $120 to $60. The shelter will waive the adoption fees for featured dogs (not all dogs). For information on locations and hours where the animals can be seen, call (772) 223-8822. Pets available for adoption may be viewed online at http://www.hstc1.org.

Wheels to Warrior Program

For the second year in a row, Todd Harris of Crown Car Care Auto Centers will donate a car to a deserving veteran. It will be presented at the Stuart Air Show on Nov. 2. Veterans are asked to write a letter explaining what the van would mean to them and how it would help get them back on their feet. Deadline for entry is Oct. 23. The winner will be notified in advance, but the car will be awarded at the Stuart Air Show on.

Any one wishing to apply must provide proof of Martin County residence (photo id with address), proof of service in the military post-September 2001 and a copy of the DD-214 military form. Application may be made by submitting a letter of need (along with the requested criteria) to crowncargiveaway@gmail.com. Applications may also be submitted by mail to the Road to Victory Military Museum, 319 Stypman, Stuart, FL 34994. The deadline for entry is Oct. 23.